CARE & MAINTENANCE
Recommended Care for Stone
Once you have invested in your new stone products, there are some basic care and maintenance lessons which should be taken into consideration.
What care and maintenance of the stone products are recommended?
Stone surfaces are very easy to maintain. Clean stone with warm water and a mild liquid soap. Never use acid cleansers or abrasive chemicals on stone. Natural stone should be sealed after installation and every one to two years thereafter, depending on its application
What is an impregnator sealer? How does it help stone?
Impregnator sealer consists of microscopic balls of silicone that attach themselves to crevices inside the stone. These balls become a permanent part of the stone, and act as a waterproof shield.
How often do I need to apply penetrating sealer to my natural stone surfaces?
There is no set rule on how often to seal your natural stone. Sealing can be as frequent as six months for higher traffic areas on marble, slate, travertine, and limestone or every couple of years for granite countertops. Also some sealers provide for only a single application every ten years. Please review the guidelines for each individual sealer.
Why does granite need to be sealed?
All natural stone including marble and granite, must be properly sealed to protect against staining. Without proper and regular sealing, granite and other natural stones are pourous and can absorb spilled substances and leave unsightly stains and marks.
What can I use to seal natural stone and tile and where can I buy it?
A sealer that penetrates and protects natural stone and tile can be purchased at any home improvement or hardware store.
How do I remove ring marks and other stains from marble, granite, travertine, and other natural stone surfaces?
If your marble tiles, travertine tiles or granite countertops have a stain, consult a restoration professional. A Poultice kit is another stain removal option, this product can be found at most home improvement stores.
Ask for more information about the characteristics and requirements for your stone.
What can I use to clean travertine, marble or granite tiles and slabs?
Neutral cleaners are needed to clean natural stone tiles. Acidic or alkaline cleaners should be avoided as they can open the pours of the natural stone and change the color of the surface.
How can I enhance the colour of travertine?
Adding depth and shine to travertine tiles can be accomplished through the application of enhancing sealers made specifically for travertine tile. Enhancing sealers are available at most home improvement and hardware stores.
How can I fill the natural voids and holes in travertine tiles if I want a smoother surface?
Part of the beauty of travertine tiles, is the natural composition causes small voids and holes. If however, you want a smoother surface, the best way to fill the holes is to use a sanded grout in a color as close to the travertine as possible.
Do I need to seal porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tile does not need to be sealed. However, it is recommended that the grout be sealed or a pre-sealed grout used.
Do I need to seal glass mosaic tiles?
Do I need to seal glass mosaic tiles?
The tiles themselves do not need to be sealed; however the grout should be sealed to prevent stains because of the amount of grout and the small size.
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